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Media Statement for AC624 Halifax Incident, (March 29, 2015)

MONTREAL, May 18, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada is in receipt of the TSB report on the incident involving AC624 in March 2015. We are appreciative of the TSB's efforts to thoroughly investigate this matter and make recommendations aimed at improving aviation safety. Air Canada is committed to continuing to improve passenger safety.

These continuing efforts, many of which have been already implemented, include working with stakeholders and addressing various issues raised in the report, including:

Outfitting its Airbus narrow-body aircraft that are not already equipped with GPS and upgrading ground proximity warning technology aboard aircraft. The GPS program is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Continuing discussions with Transport Canada on new requirements tying approach minimums to airport runway lighting. The report found runway lighting to be a cause and contributing factor and Air Canada has since worked with the Halifax International Airport Authority to upgrade lighting at the airport.

Conducting outreach, starting last year, to other airports across the country related to runway lighting upgrade programs and certain airports have already agreed to upgrades.

Reviewing emergency response plans and consulting with Transport Canada to ensure responsibilities are properly delegated to those bodies best equipped to deliver the services. For example, Air Canada believes local airport authorities are best positioned to organize and coordinate passenger transport in event of emergencies on airport properties.

Air Canada's Standard Operating Procedures on approaches have been approved by Transport Canada. Nonetheless, Air Canada has amended its procedures with respect to approaches during periods of severe and adverse weather phenomena. These changes are designed to validate and strengthen minimum requirements.

About Air Canada Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 63 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 93 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 191 countries. For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.